VIDEO: Jackie Lopez lofts a shot into the upper-right corner of the goal for Westmont’s final score.
After scoring three goals in the first 15 minutes, it was evident that the #9 Warriors (7-2-1, 3-0-1 GSAC) were resolved in getting the win in Saturday’s home game against the Firestorm of Arizona Christian (2-6, 0-4 GSAC). The final result of the match was 5-0.
Senior Kelsey Steck set the tone early when she scored in forth minute. Junior Brooke Lillywhite, played a precise ball into the box behind the Firestorm defense to Steck who took a moving touch forward and slotted it into the right side of the goal.
Three minutes later, Kaitlin Swift capitalized off of Alanna Richards’ blocked header goal attempt, with a header goal of her own.
Goal number three came in the 15th minute when sophomore Jackie Lopez played the ball to Steck from the right side of the field. Steck took a near post shot from four yards out to score.
Steck reflected on the team’s performance and said, “I think we are doing a really good job in connecting our passes, creating goal scoring opportunities, and then finishing those opportunities.”
The Warriors did not score again until the 71st minute when Jackie Lopez cracked a driven shot into the upper right corner of the goal from 30 yards out.
The final goal of the game was the product of efforts from two underclassmen – sophomore Ariel Johnston and freshman Haylee Lopes. In the 85th minute, after driving towards the goal, Johnston played the ball back to freshman Haylee Lopes who took a one time shot from 15 yards out. It soared over the keeper’s head into the right side netting of the goal.
“I was very happy we were able to score five goals and see a variety of players get in the game. It was wonderful to put up a good performance for homecoming”, said head coach Chantel Cappuccilli. “In all, I am very proud of our players for their response after a tough tie on Wednesday to be able to capitalize and finish in this game.
“Moving forward, we will host The Master’s at 3:00 on Tuesday, and that will be a competitive and intense environment for us to play in. The following week we will host #1 Lindsay Wilson (7-0-2). Both games are very big for us in a number of ways.”
The Warriors currently are in first place in the Golden State Athletic Conference with Vanguard, Hope International, and The Masters all tied for second just four points back (three points for a win, one for a tie).
